STORAGE: Michigan researchers have published a set of 12 principles meant to guide utilities, operators and designers into sustainable energy-storage systems. (Midwest Energy News)
SOLAR: Legislation in South Dakota looks to clearly define the rates at which solar generating customers are reimbursed. (Midwest Energy News)
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NUCLEAR: The Canadian government again delays a decision on whether to allow the storage of nuclear power plant waste less than a mile from Lake Huron. (Associated Press)
OHIO: An independent power producers’ group says nearly 55,000 letters in opposition to two utility income-guarantee requests have been sent to state officials. (Associated Press)
CARBON TRADING: Some environmental groups oppose carbon trading plans to lower emissions because they fear it will disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. (ClimateWire)
COAL:
• Missouri’s largest coal plant may be forced to install pollution-control equipment to cut down on sulfur dioxide pollution in the area. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
• Analysts say there is a greater than 50 percent chance that Peabody Energy will file for bankruptcy. (SNL / IEEFA)
• Customers of a Minnesota utility will get refunds due to high prices they paid for electricity after coal shipments weren’t delivered on time. (Twin Cities Business)
• The last coal-fired steamship that operates in the Great Lakes is designated a National Historic Landmark. (MLive)
PIPELINES: Iowa regulators are still undecided on whether to allow a company access to unwilling property owners’ land for the Bakken pipeline project. (WHO-TV)
ELECTIONS: Potential changes to Michigan’s ballot initiative process increase the likelihood that an anti-fracking proposal could go before voters in 2018. (MLive)
OIL AND GAS:
• The “Keep it in the Ground” movement appears to be shifting its focus from pipeline development to protesting oil and gas leases on public lands. (Climate Central)
• Michigan residents who may be victims in an oil and gas bid-rigging scheme stemming from 2010 can still file claims with the state. (MLive)
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FINANCE: Apple issues the largest “green bond” by a U.S. corporation, announcing $1.5 billion to help finance clean energy projects across its global business operations. (Reuters)
COMMENTARY:
• The American Lung Association applauds Minnesota for moving forward on a Clean Power Plan strategy despite last week’s setback at the Supreme Court. (MinnPost)
• It’s time for Illinois to become a clean energy leader again. (Union of Concerned Scientists)